The gas metal arc welding process of the present invention extends the axial spray metal transfer range with a non rotating arc from 10 to 25 lbs/hr using an electrode wire diameter between 0.035 to 0.052 inches. The process is carried out by maintaining an electrode extension of between 3/4 to 11/4 inches with a three component shielding gas mixture consisting essentially of argon and oxygen in combination with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide in a volume proportion of oxygen 1-2% carbon dioxide 8-15%, balance argon. The arc voltage is maintained in a range of between 29 and 40 volts.